Chapter 174

Vincent winced as the pain in his wound flared during the trip, leaving him restless through the night. By the time he landed, he looked drained, and then came Aubrey's message: Sharon had been hospitalized.

Hannah, setting aside her frustration with Vincent,followed him straight to the hospital.

When they arrived at the private suite, Hannah spotted Sharon calmly eating breakfast, and only then did the weight in her chest ease.

Hannah walked over and took a seat beside her."Sharon, you really gave me a scare. Is your blood pressure under control now?"

Vincent stood nearby, his voice low and concerned."What happened? What caused the sudden spike? You fainted."

He had already spoken to Aubrey on his way, trying to piece together what had led to Sharon's abrupt collapse.

"Don't worry about me," Sharon replied, gently taking Hannah's hand and giving her a once-over."It's just you... I'm so relieved you made it back safely. The Jones family is at fault for what you've been through." Her voice trembled, laced with emotion.

Hannah's eyes widened slightly, realizing that Sharon's hospitalization was connected to what had happened to her. And there was only one likely source: Brinley.

Hannah's hands clenched in her lap as anger surged through her.

Vincent's expression darkened. He sat beside Sharon, lightly patting her back. "Who told you about Hannah's incident?" Before Sharon could answer, Hannah cut in."Who else do you think?"

At that moment, Brinley and Danica entered the room, carrying a basket of fruit. Their faces lit up when they saw Vincent-until they noticed Hannah.The sight of her instantly soured both their moods.

.Brinley managed to keep her expression neutral, but the thought that Vincent and Hannah might have returned together intensified her resentment toward Hannah. Trying to mask her irritation, she casually asked, "Vincent, why are you with Hannah?"

Hannah didn't miss a beat. "Why not ask me directly?" she shot back, her tone sharp as she gently patted Sharon's hand, unconcerned with the fallout.

Sharon gave Hannah a slight nod, silently encouraging her.

Hannah rose to her feet and slapped Brinley across the face. "Surprised to see me back?" Brinley held her cheek, stunned. "I don't understand what you mean."

Danica jumped up. in outrage. "Hannah, are you 、insane? Why did you hit Brinley like that?" She turned to Vincent, screeching, "Throw this lunatic out!"

But Vincent didn't budge.

Hannah stared Brinley down. "You destroyed my passport, tossed my luggage, and led me straight into that nightmare of a bar. You planned for me not to return, didn't you?"

Vincent's eyes turned razor-sharp as he turned to Brinley."Was it you?"

Brinley had never seen Vincent look at her that way before. Forcing herself to stay calm, she said,"Vincent, how could I do something like that? You know I came back with you-you of all people should understand!"

Brinley told herself that she couldn't afford to panic.Hannah didn't have hard evidence. Hannah wasn't done. Her expression cold, she pulled out her phone and played the video Felix had sent."How do you explain dragging my suitcase out of the guesthouse?"

Brinley glanced at the footage. "That person's bundled up. That could be anyone."

"If it wasn't you, then maybe it was Daphne. Should call her right now and ask?" Hannah retorted coldly,flipping through her contacts.

Brinley stiffened, her fingers tightening. Daphne was the last person she wanted involved. She had worked hard to build that relationship.

Vincent spoke before Hannah could make the call.His voice was quiet but firm. "No need. The person in the video is Brinley."

He knew Daphne didn't have that slim build. He stared at Brinley, disappointment washing over his features. "Why? Why would you do this? Do you realize you nearly got Hannah killed?" "| didn't... | swear, I didn't," Brinley stammered,clinging to his arm. "Vincent, she's lying. How could you just take her word for it?"

"Enough!" Sharon's voice cut sharply through the room. "Hannah is not lying. You put her through the nightmare."